Merry Christmas, one and all!

Tuesday

Dec 24, 2013 at 12:08 PM

Everyone knows the feeling of Christmas getting ever closer while there is more and more to do. The consumer-driven aspects of the season sometimes make it difficult for us to focus on what the Christmas season is all about.

Everyone knows the feeling of Christmas getting ever closer while there is more and more to do.The consumer-driven aspects of the season sometimes make it difficult for us to focus on what the Christmas season is all about.Even today, when so many of us are going to visit with family and friends, we can be so trapped in the moment that we fail to take time for the real meaning of Christmas.This is a good time to do just that.In so many ways, Christmas is about remembering those around us.Remember that the people who have less deserve a joyous Christmas as much as we do.We have so many caring, selfless and considerate volunteers who spend months organizing and preparing for Christmas just so local families don’t have to do without all the blessings of Christmas.There are food and toy drives that try to deliver holiday cheer.And there is a bicycle giveaway that makes sure hundreds of children enjoy a nice, special gift for Christmas.Remember, too, that there are many brave, selfless volunteers all across the world trying to make sure we stay safe from the evil that lurks beyond our borders.Our men and women who serve in the armed forces won’t be gathered around family tables or relaxed in living rooms in front of sports games on television.They will be standing watch or completing missions, all of which is aimed at keeping us safe and protecting and spreading liberty around the world.These people are making huge sacrifices, and so are their families.We have to remember to give thanks for those sacrifices and make sure we enjoy and appreciate the freedoms they provide and protect.Here among us, there are selfless folks who work tirelessly to make incredible gatherings for their families. For them, today isn’t about rest and appreciation as much as it is about hard but happy work to make sure everyone else has a great day.You might want to go say thanks right now, with words or a hug. You know who these special people are.And don’t forget about the many people working today just to keep us safe. Police officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers, doctors, nurses and others who sacrifice this day of family togetherness for everyone’s good should not be forgotten.Merry Christmas to all our readers, to their family and friends and to the people who are working so hard to make today special and safe.

Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.